Grand Opening: Reality Check
by Jessica Buchholz, Events Coordinator | October 8, 2024
Let the Good Times Roll!
New Local Business Offers Gaming Options and Virtual Reality
Emporia, KS – Calling all gamers! There is a new stop in town that provides the ultimate gaming experience. Try your hand at Virtual Reality, Nintendo, an assortment of board games, as well as Dungeons and Dragons. Whether hanging out after school, getting together with family and friends, or meeting fellow players at a theme night, Reality Check offers a new place for the community.
Located at 320 Commercial Street in downtown Emporia, Reality Check has a unique blend of immersive virtual reality experiences and classic board games. Perfect for all ages, bringing together cutting-edge tech and timeless fun, with snacks and drinks to keep the good times going.
The owners, Jason and Cassie Heffron, wanted to bring something fun and new to the community to provide a safe environment for families and friends.
“We are excited to provide a space to come hang out, do homework, play games, and for people to meet new friends if they’re new to the community,” said Cassie. “We are hoping to offer a variety of gatherings such as, dungeons and dragons campaigns, painting minis for various games, card trading, bingo, and also themed nights. We will also be reaching out to the different schools to do fundraiser nights.”
The opening of Reality Check will provide another activity option for local and area youth.
“People in Emporia and the surrounding towns have been very vocal that our community should have more indoor activities for youth. Reality Check provides gaming opportunities for youth and families in a fun environment. “Traditional consoles, classic board games, and state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming are all available, with additional narrative game groups meeting on site in a safe domain, said Casey Woods, Executive Director for Emporia Main Street. “Additional amenities like the snack bar allow youth and families to hang out in a fun space. I’ve already had a daddy-daughter-date-night with my ten-year-old daughter at Reality Check, and we had a blast. The community asked for a facility like Reality Check, and we are happy that the Heffron family answered the call!”
Cassie and Jason partnered with several local entities to make Reality Check a reality!
“We are very thankful to Emporia Main Street for helping us get into contact with the right organizations to help make this dream possible,” said Cassie. “They referred us to the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University, where they helped us with our business plan and projections. We also received financial support from ESB Financial and NetWork Kansas.”
Reality Check will be holding a Grand Opening this Thursday, October 10th, from 4pm to 10pm. A ribbon cutting will take place at 4:30 pm. The community is invited to attend and enjoy a FREE hot dog with any paid admission.
Normal operating hours for Reality Check are Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday4 pm to 11pm, Saturday 10am -11 pm, and Sunday noon to 5pm. Admission for unlimited gaming is $5 and does not include Virtual Reality. A VR session is $30 per person and lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. More information on hours, party rentals, and games can be found on Facebook at @realitycheckemporia or by calling 620-208-8020.